Best Floor Steamers

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 29, 2018

If you're looking for an alternative way of tidying up your house that would not require using any chemical products, then we'd like to turn your attention toward electric floor steamers. These handy appliances do a great job of cleaning by simply generating steam. Want to know the details? Keep on reading this review....Read more...Read less

This tool comes with a bunch of nozzles for different purposes so you can clean various kinds of surfaces, as well as baths, windows, kitchenware, junctures between tiles, furniture, and even car wheels.

CONS

The handle could be more comfortable.

OUR VERDICT

If you are the kind of person who's not ready to settle for subpar products, the Bissell 1544A PowerFresh with its excellent performance and one of the richest sets of attachments may be the best choice for you. It offers a safer way of mopping floors and kills up to 99.9% germs and bacteria.

A mop head can rotate 180 degrees, which makes it very manoeuvrable and allows it to reach and clean into the corners and other hard-to-reach places in your house.

CONS

The device is rather heavy.

OUR VERDICT

A practical steam mop which literary dissolves dirt with germs from all kinds of floors. Thanks to the steam adjustment function, you can control the power of the steam by increasing/decreasing it, depending on what surface you clean and how dirty it is. The kit includes three reusable microfiber pads that can be easily washed.

The mop gets very hot after use, so you may need to wait a bit for it to cool down.

OUR VERDICT

The easy-to-use Bissel steam mop will cope with any cleaning task quickly and faultlessly, leaving a pleasant aroma in your home upon completion of the job. One of the better options for those who need a high-quality and inexpensive electric steamer for laminate floors, tiles, and hardwood.

Features adjustable steam levels and lightweight design, making it a fantastic choice for those who need a portable thing they could easily move around. Sanitizes objects and easily glides across hard floors of all types.

CONS

Due to its small size, you may run out of water quite quickly.

OUR VERDICT

Although this floor steamer doesn't have any bells and whistles, it does a good job of cleaning and does it with ease. The biggest advantage of this model is its simple design, great usability features, and the end results.

Bissell 1544A

Best Vacuum and Steam Mop Combo: 2 in 1

The Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop is a versatile appliance that unites the functions of a steam mop and a steam cleaner. It's equipped with a powerful 1500-W steam generator, which gives it enough strength to do a great job of cleaning both above and on the floors. Three steam levels let you vary the power of steam for cleaning wood floors, hardwoods, windows, counters, and plumbing. The water tank is integrated and has a capacity of 13.5 fl oz. According to users' feedback, this is enough for up to 20 minutes of operation, depending on what settings you run it. The cleaning head of the mop is big and wide, allowing you to cover larger areas in fewer passes. The mid section is removable so the steam mop can be used in a handheld mode, too. Two included scrubbing attachments add to the versatility of this steam mop, allowing its use on carpets, tiles, and furniture. This makes it an ideal choice for owners of various types of floors.

A bunch of attachments

The Bissel 1544A floor cleaner has variable steam control with two settings, 13 specialized cleaning tools for vacuuming surfaces like sinks, kitchen counters, bathroom tiles, wood floors, etc, and scent discs for eliminating unpleasant odors. Also, it has a special scrubber and an angle tool for picking pet messes and sanitizing toys. Owners of pets love the smell the Bissel 1544A floor cleaner leaves after cleaning. What else many customers love is how easy it is to remove and wash the mop pads in a washing machine. Being thicker and heavier than many other floor steamers, the Bissel 1544A gives you the advantage of better contact with the floor without you having to press down on it. This results in the cleaner staying close to the area rather than pulverizing steam in different directions. Though bigger than the majority of steam mops, the Bissel 1544A is easy to stow away. It doesn't occupy plenty of storage space, and all of its attachments can be removed.

Summing up

The Bissell PowerFresh is powerful, effective, and easy to use. Fitted with a long 25-ft cable, it allows you to move freely around the house. Thanks to its powerful steam output, the cleaner heats up and gets hot in mere seconds. It has a capacious water tank and can work for around 15-20 minutes on one refill, if you don't use it on high settings. Though the Bissell PowerFresh isn't one of the smallest models we've seen, its storage is simple due to its ergonomic design and flip-down attachments. Some users wish it were a bit slimmer to glide under low furniture, but if you don't have a lot of low furniture around, you'll certainly not regret purchasing it.

Additional Info

SKG SK201225

Multifunctional Steam Mop for All Kinds of Surfaces

The SKG 212F Hot Steam Mop is a multifunctional steam cleaner that can meet various cleaning needs. It features a 1500-W steam generator and a water tank with 7.6 fl oz capacity. To convert between functions, all you need is to turn one knob on the handle, and the steam output will change from low to high so you can apply it to various kinds of floors. The cleaning part on this mop can be easily detached allowing you to use it as a handheld steamer. The mop comes with six attachments which you can use for cleaning not only floors but all other surfaces around your house as well. Also, the mop includes 3 microfiber pads that can be easily washed in a washing machine.

Convenience Features

Thanks to the mop head, which rotates 180 degrees, it takes no effort to reach and clean under chairs and other low furniture. The tool is ergonomic, with its triangle-shape mop head, and easy to maneuver on different surfaces. To start using the appliance, you will need to spend less than a minute - insert the mop head inside the cleaning part (the mid section) and then affix it with a couple screws. Manufacturer recommends using only distilled water, and it's best to follow the guides given in the instructions, fill water to the exact level and do not add any chemical products. Other than that, you should not have any issues. The steam generated by the steamer is all-natural and powerful enough to tackle even ingrained stains. Variable steam control makes it safe to use on floors of all types including laminate, vinyl, tiles, hard floors, and many other surfaces. Though the SKG 212F Hot Steam Mop is a bit on a heavy side, it is very easy to use it thanks to the lightweight shoulder strap and a special carpet glider which snaps on the main body. You could easily use it for deep cleaning without tiring your hands.

Recommendations for Use

As we've stated earlier, the manufacturer recommends using only distilled water in order to prevent the build-up of residue in the appliance. So unless you know for sure that your tap water is soft, make sure to stick with this recommendation.

Because not all surfaces can be safely cleaned with steam, it's strongly advised that you test it first on a small patch of floor or carpet. If there are no signs of damage, then your floor is suitable for steam mopping.

Make sure to clean all attachments after each use.

Use attachments correctly as stated in the instructions.

If used as directed, the SKG mop will serve you for many years and please you with amazing performance.

Additional Info

Bissell 1940

Specifications Overview

The BISSELL 1940 Powerfresh features a powerful 1600-W steam generator and heats up in approximately 30 seconds. The water tank is big enough to accommodate up to 16 fl oz of water, thus providing you with the option to run the appliance for about 12 minutes on high settings without stops. The steam levels are customizable and can be changed in three steps: low, medium, and high. In addition to adjustable steam levels, the BISSELL 1940 bundles a great set of attachments including Removable Easy Scrubber for cleaning grout and dirt in crevices. The carpet refresher attachment will make it easy to remove pet odors, leaving your house smell nice and fresh.

Performance

This steam mop does an excellent job of cleaning ceramic, vinyl, wood floor, and dirty grout. The mop comes with 2 PowerFresh® Pet Steam Mop Pads, Carpet Refresher Attachment and Easy Scrubber. The white microfiber pad is best for delicate flooring like sealed hardwoods and laminate. The gray and white striped pad can be used for scrubbing heavily soiled floors. In addition, this model is equipped with a flip-down scrubber. This handy tool will help you to get rid of dirt in the cracks that are typical for parquet floors. What is more, the steam mop is able to sterilize your floor; you just need to hold it in the same place for 15-20 seconds. Its effective high-pressure performance can deal with practically any mess and kill all bacteria, making your place safe and clean in no time. However, be careful: the mop gets hot after use, so you may need to wait for it to cool down.

Usability Features

Last but not least, let’s have a look at the usability features. The BISSELL 1940 Powerfresh Steam Mop is incredibly handy, having a mobile head and low profile for convenient cleaning under tables or wardrobes. The long 23-ft power cable will let you use the mop in large rooms without extension cords. Despite the fact that this steam mop is very powerful, this model is very lightweight and easy to carry around the house. It has a smart-designed ergonomic grip. Moreover, this floor steamer is equipped with 2 Spring Breeze Fragrance Discs. You should insert these discs into the mop pads before cleaning to get a pleasant and refreshing scent in your home. This feature is quite unique, making the BISSELL 1940 stand out from the crowd.

Shark S3501

Best for Hardwood

The Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop is a powerful tool that's able to deal both with everyday dust and with ground-in dirt. It is fitted with a water tank of 15 fl oz and this means it'll provide you with up to 15 minutes of operation time. The water tank in this model is not removable, which some users may find to be a disadvantage. In our opinion, however, this shouldn't be an issue for most consumers because integrated water chambers, unlike those that can be removed, do not tend to leak. The Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop comes with a 1550-W steam generator which heats water in 30 seconds after starting. This allows it to dry out all moisture almost instantly so the floor doesn't get sticky. The steam intensity is adjusted by pressing the control buttons located on the cleaning unit. You can increase and decrease the flow with a quick press depending on what type of floor you need to clean. All of these characteristics make this floor steamer one of the better choices for hardwood. Users who need a multi-functional floor steamer for chemical-free sanitation of their floors will not be disappointed with the Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop.

For Many Uses

Double-side microfiber pad of this steam mop allows you to cover twice the cleaning area with a quick flip of the mop head. The Shark Steam Pocket Mop will please you with a good kit including a rectangular mop head with 2 all-purpose cleaning pads and 2 steam duster cleaning pads. All the pads are washable and reusable, so you don’t have to purchase them every time you’re doing the clean-up. In addition, the package includes a triangular mop head that expands the applicability of the mop. The triangle pads are perfect for cleaning corners or curvy items. Maneuvring the steamer is easy and convenient due to its comfy soft-grip handle and smart design. The model has compact enough dimensions to glide under low furniture and other hard-to-reach places. Besides, it comes with a carpet glider, meaning you will also have an option to use it on carpeted floors.

Usability

The feature we like about this Shark steam mop most is that both sides of its cleaning pads are suitable for use. This means once one side gets dirty, you'll be able to turn the mop head over and go on cleaning. As a result, cleaning will take you twice less time. Aside from this feature, the Shark steam mop comes with a convenient telescopic handle which you can pull to whatever height you'd like. All is very easy. However, the best thing about this mop is it's compatible with all surfaces. So if you have a variety of floor types in your home, you'll be able to use it on all of them. The package contains several additional nozzles for cleaning wood, tiles, linoleum and vinyl floors. The cord of the unit is not the longest at 20 ft, yet the option to release and wind it back at a single press is certainly what we like.

O-Cedar SYNCHKG061608

Design

Before we turn to the performance, let's take a look at the design of the O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop, one of the lightest steamers among the five we've reviewed. At five pounds of weight, you will not have troubles moving it around your house nor will you ever tire your arms or wrists. This is the steamer that you would call portable and mean it. At a glance, the O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop doesn't look any different from any other average steam mop you'll see on the market. It has a long handle, a cleaning unit, and a mop head. However, if you look a bit closer, you'll notice that all of its parts are just slightly narrower and smaller than standard models. It's very unlikely that this will inconvenience you, but you should be aware that you may need to make more passes to cover a wider area. The controls on this steamer are placed in the mid part and include ON/OFF button and a switch selector for adjusting steam. The mop has a triangular shape and can swing, making it possible to reach the dirt and stains in remote areas and corners. The color of the mop is bright red. Nothing unusual, but certainly nice-looking.

Small but Mighty

A powerful steam generator is what allows this steam mop to do cleaning both quickly and effectively, despite its small size. Thanks to the strong steam jet, the mop can easily tackle stains and stubborn dirt spots. If used with a snap-on carpet glider, it will also help to disinfect things, serving you as two appliances. Similarly to other electric steam mops, this model has a triangle shaped head which allows it to clean in corners, crevices and other hard-to-reach places, like under chairs, sofa, and wardrobes. The tank container on this mop isn't big yet it can hold up to 13 fl. oz. providing you with enough time to clean one medium-sized room. Being smaller in size than the other models, the O-Cedar SYNCHKGO61608 doesn't take long to heat up and is ready to use in only 20 seconds. That's the quickest result! Speaking of flaws, we'd certainly mention that the number of additional accessories included could be bigger. Many models that cost less come with at least a couple additional brushes for cleaning not only floors but many other surfaces. But if you don't need a steam mop that would do all the cleaning around your house, and you're looking for a portable and lightweight appliance that will allow you to clean your house without any chemical solutions, the O-Cedar SYNCHKGO61608 can be the one for you.

Convenience Features

This steam mop is easy to use due to its non-frill design, light weight and simple controls. When not in use, the handle can be detached by quickly pressing a release button, so you can store it and transport without effort. For hassle-free filling of the water chamber, the package includes a pour cup with the help of which you can add water and prevent leaks. Two microfiber pads, which come in a purchase, are reusable and can be washed in a washing machine. Not only is it very convenient, but it will also allow you to save money on replacement pads.

In all, rephrasing the point we've stated earlier, if you need a versatile steam mop that would be small in size, effective at removing ingrained dirt and stains, include all standard nozzles, and be light on your wallet, you've just found it.

O-Cedar SYNCHKG061608

What Is a Floor Steamer?

Though floor steamers are relatively new appliances on the market they've already revolutionized the process of house cleaning and become a favorite for many users. As the name suggests, these cleaning appliances are designed to remove stains, dust, and dirt by generating steam. Contrary to the common myth that steam cleaners can be used only on wooden and tiled floors, a lot of them can be applied on other surfaces seeing that they include special attachments. Thanks to the produced heat, floor steamers can not only effectively remove stains and ingrained dirt saving you time and effort but also kill up to 99.9% germs, bacteria, and parasites. However, the biggest advantage is that they don't require any chemical products, which makes them a safe choice for consumers who have kids and pets. For this article, we've picked five of the most popular floor steamers so you can choose the one that fits all your needs.

What Features to Compare

Design

Before buying a steam mop, there are a few important characteristics to pay attention to. One of them is design. A floor vacuum cleaner, just like a handheld cleaner, should be convenient to hold and operate. As a rule, it has a long ergonomic handle, a cleaning unit, and a cloth mop pad. The cleaning unit includes a steam generator, a water tank, and control elements. Though floor cleaners look rather bulky, operating them is easy and requires no special effort. They have long power cords and you can freely move them around. Just like most modern vacuum cleaners, floor steamers come in different sizes, designs, and colors, so everyone can choose the one to their liking.

Performance

This is probably the most important characteristic to check for. The power of the floor steamer is directly linked with its voltage: the higher the voltage is the more powerful the vacuum cleaner is. You should also make sure the chosen floor cleaner has a steam regulator so you have an option to adjust steam levels when cleaning different types of floors. All additional attachments that come included with a floor steamer affect its performance as well, broadening or narrowing its scope of application. Check what mop pads come included with a cleaner and make sure that they can be used on your floors. Along with additional attachments and voltage, performance of the cleaner is affected by its water tank capacity. This reservoir should be integrated so that the cleaner wouldn't leak while in use, and be big enough to allow for prolonged cleaning. That being said, with a bigger water chamber increases the weight of the cleaner which is why it's better to opt for "a golden mean" - something big enough to do a good job of cleaning, but lightweight enough to not tire your arms.

Usability

Many floor steamers include such additional features as "lift-away" and "lift-off", which make it possible to use the cleaner with or without the mop head or wand. This gives you the advantage of using it in a handheld mode, in which you can attach a different set of nozzles and clean other surfaces like countertops, kitchen appliances, and many more. The length of a power cord, as we've mentioned earlier, is as important in terms of convenience as all other additional quirks. A long cable will let you clean rather big areas without extensions cords. Finally, make sure the model you choose includes some additional attachments. Most modern models will come with a special scrubbing attachment or mop pad for cleaning tiles. All these features are important and greatly affect the convenience of use.

Did you know?

The idea to use steam for cleaning purposes appeared about 150 years ago. Originally, this method was used to remove grease and dirt from various kinds of machinery, cars, trucks, railways and ships. However, it was only 70 years ago that people took this idea more seriously and started thinking about how to make a steam cleaner. Italian engineers were the first ones who presented steam generating appliances to the world. At the time, not all countries could use them. Because of the difference between the voltage in the USA and Europe, steam cleaners entered the US market only 30 years later after their appearance. Today, steam cleaners are all the rage. They become more and more popular with users from all over the world. Steam cleaners quite literally revolutionized the process of cleaning allowing people to spend less time cleaning and use no chemicals at all. That's one of the biggest reasons why they are so popular. Another reason is that steam cleaners are very versatile. Due to many additional attachments they usually include, steam cleaners can be used for many more tasks than simply mopping floors. Here are a few popular uses:

Easy curtains ironing

If you hate ironing bulky and heavy things like curtains, for example, try to use a steam cleaner. It will save you the need to take the curtains down, wash them, then put them together, and so on and so forth. All you will need to do is direct the steam jet at the wrinkles and they will disappear in a blink of an eye.

Bring your cleaners to the yard

Floor steamers are not only incredibly helpful when cleaning inside your house, they can also do a great job when cleaning outside. If you have garden furniture that requires cleaning, try to clean it with a steam cleaner. A powerful jet of steam which the steam cleaner produces will allow you to remove stains and dirt that ingrained in upholstery, leaving it to look brand new.

Steam vs. Ice

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting for your freezer to unfreeze, a steam cleaner will help speed up the process. Direct the steam inside the chamber and it will quickly melt ice.

Clean other household appliances

Apart from a refrigerator, a steam cleaner can be used for cleaning your dishwasher, oven, microwaves, washing machine, tumble dryer, and many more household appliances.

Help during repair

Removing wallpaper is probably the worst part of a repair. Well, it is, but if you have a steam cleaner you'll have less trouble. By applying hot steam to the wallpaper, it will come off on its own without you putting in any effort.

Wash glass surfaces

You can use your steamer to clean glass doors and windows as well. Just avoid using it on cold glass because it might crack.

Сarpets, rugs and upholstery

Removing dirt from fabric sometimes can be very difficult. However, if you buy a steam cleaner with special attachments, you'll be able to easily remove dirt from carpets, upholstery, rugs, and even your clothes.

All in all, we hope owners of steam cleaners and floor steamers will find these tips helpful. We also hope that those who hesitated whether to buy one or not will make up their mind after reading these reviews.